by Scott Schaefer

Keegan Reilly, 29, finished ahead of 319 other racers in last Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k in Burien.

No big deal really, in a 5k race of 650 finishers…right?

WRONG.

Reilly also happens to be a paraplegic, and he used a rented “arm cycle” to pedal his way to a 37:19 finish time in Sunday’s 5k, successfully making the steep climb up Snake Hill like he has so many other obstacles in his life.

If you ran or walked the course, you know how tough it was to make it up and over the hill affectionately called “The Snake.”

Now imagine using just your arms to pedal up that hill.

Reilly lost the use of his lower body after receiving a major spinal cord injury in a car crash, but he hasn’t let that stop him. According to his uncle, who also happens to be Race Organizer John Nelson, Keegan made the very first arm-powered ascent of Colorado’s Mt. Elbert, which also happens to be the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, at 14,443 feet (32 feet higher than our own Mt. Rainier).

In addition, Reilly has also climbed Japan’s Mt. Fuji (12,388 ft.) as well as Mt. Shasta in California (14,179 ft.) using arm-climbing devices that were consulted and commissioned by his uncle, who says he did “a redesign” of one of One-Off Titanium’s unique arm powered off-road 3-wheelers.

“The result was a 4-wheeled hand-cycle designed specifically for ascending steep and rough terrain,” Nelson said.

The BBC did a story on Keegan’s ascent of Fuji (read it here), which received international attention because the police tried to stop the expedition at base camp. Nelson adds:

“We waited them out until the press arrive,” Nelson said. “After a couple days camping outside their door, they relented and grudgingly allowed the expedition to continue. Having a person be the final obstacle to overcoming Fuji just seemed downright silly.”

Reilly’s Shasta climb was with three other disabled climbers, including Pete Reike, who made the first arm-powered ascent of Mt. Rainier (read that story here).

“Each new person pushing the limits of the last,” Nelson said. “It’s like mountaineering being invented all over again.”

Most recently, Chris Waddell successfully summitted Kilimanjaro using a model of the 4-wheeler he based on Keegan’s machine (link here).

Nelson says that Reilly came all the way from Colorado just to take part in Sunday’s race.

Here are some pics of this brave and amazingly strong man (both physically and mentally) in action:

Sunday’s second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence raised “around $35,000,” according to race organizer John Nelson.

To put this in perspective, last year’s inaugural race brought in $12,000, which, at the time, was a “huge surprise,” according to Mike Werle, Executive Director of the food bank.

Some interesting anecdotes about the race itself:

• The first Unicyclist to ever complete the course was Kevin Williams.
  

  Unicyclist Kevin Williams rolls up Snake Hill.

• The oldest runner was Clyde Sparks, 74, of Normandy Park.
• Four 69-year olds also finished:
  • Robb Shirley, Seattle
  • Jack Freeman, Seattle
  • Penney Hall, Normandy Park
  • Jan Drago, Seattle – King County Councilmember who fired the starting gun in Normandy Park!
• There was a four-way tie for youngest, registered at Age “0″ (we’re pretty sure these kids were all in strollers, so thanks Moms!):
  • Phyllis Ahlerdice, of Seattle
  • Anuraag Sanga, of Burien
  • Yvetti Garcia, of Burien
  • Karen Hartrig, of Seahurst

Over 1,000 runners were registered for the race, and here’s a link to the results, which are searchable:

OnlineRaceResults.com

During Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, we had two Photographers shooting throughout the entire race, with Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer manning the starting line, Snake Hill and St. Francis, and Michael Brunk stationed at the finish line.

Overall, we shot 2,461 photos (but who’s counting?) many of which included some of the more than 1,000 runners who ran the race.

In a perfect world of internet goodness, we’d be able to email your pic to you instantly and automatically based on your registration number. This online utopia would instantly send a high-res image of YOU taken during the race, or perhaps even print it and have it waiting in a nice frame on your porch as you returned home.

But, alas, we do not yet live in this perfect online utopia now do we? So, get your worn-out feet back to the real world, and wake up to the best we can do right now – as of 9:30pm Sunday night (Mar. 14), we are currently still uploading images to this “2010 Cove to Clover 5k Run” Group Pool on Flickr (it only lets us upload 500 at a time):

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2010covetoclover5krun/pool/

Now if you’ve never used Flickr before, it’s pretty easy – click on the link above and you’ll go the the Group Pool’s page. Once there, you’ll see a bunch of images. Hundreds, if not 2,461 of ‘em, but who’s counting?

Here’s what to do:

• In the upper right of the page, you’ll see a “Slideshow” icon.
• If you click on that it’ll start a slideshow of the pics.
• You can move through the show faster using your > key.
• Go through the pics until you see yours.
• Click on your pic. The slideshow should stop.
• Now, in the upper right corner you’ll see the file name of the image. Click on that.
• Now you should be on a page that shows just that image.
• Click on “All Sizes” which is located above the pic, kind of in the middle.
• Then click on “Original Size,” and right-click on Download the Original size and “Save As” the pic to your computer.
• The “original size” image can be printed, emailed, etc.

DISCLAIMER: Hopefully we took a pic of you and posted it. If not, we apologize – it’s quite a challenge! This is our first time shooting so many people at one event, and surely we can do better. Also, note that not all images have been uploaded yet, so be sure to check back Monday, as our magic photo elves are working as fast as they can.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Unfortunately, we do not have the full race results ready to post yet – please check back for that Monday as well!

And now, here’s round #1 of our choice pics from the day:

On a day when even a 6′4″ “Snake” couldn’t stop them, over 1,000 runners ran the second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank on Sunday afternoon, March 14.

The race started at the Normandy Park Community Club at 1pm sharp when King County Councilmember Jan Drago fired a starting pistol. Soon, the front-runners encountered Snake Hill, which separated the wheat from the chaff.

It was on Snake Hill when John Timeus, 25, of Kent, the overall winner, took control and never looked back. He crossed the finish line at Burien Town Square in an impressive 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

Second place went to 50-year Normandy Park runner Ray Prentice, who clocked in at 20:38. Not bad for a 50-year old.

The top female runner was Elsa Natal, 31, of Seattle with a 22:58 time.

Here are the overall winners as posted at the finish line:

1. John Timeus, Kent, 25/M 18:55
2. Ray Preintice, Normandy Park, 50/M 20:38
3. Paul Huynh Normandy Park, 18/M 20:49
   
4. Matt Parker, Burien 30/M 21:17
5. Nicholas Deisler, Seattle 26/M 21:56
6. Garrick Hughes Normandy Park, 26/M 22:02
   
7. Jason Ireland, Langley, 36/M 22:18
8. A.Z. Satterfield Normandy Park, 17/M 22:23
9. Mike Fosberg, Burien, 45/M 22:31
10. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 27/M 22:39

WOMEN:

1. Elsa Natal, Seattle, 31/F 22:58
2. Carmen Storer, Des Moines, 25/F 23:27
3. Cassie Marino, Des Moines , 25/F 24:44
4. Natalie D’Amico, Burien, 23/F 25:15
5. Cindy Sagmoen, Burien, 42/F 26:00
6. Dini Peneda, Seattle, 31/F 26:05
7. Robin Donocan, Seattle, 28/F 26:10
8. Donna Sullivan-Dyrdal, Burien, 54/F 26:21
9. Gina Mutter, Normandy Park, 43/F 26:34
10. Sandi Rowden, Burien, 45/F 26:34

Here’s our first batch of pics, shot by Michael Brunk at the finish line:

We’ll be posting more photos, results and stories throughout the day (and most likely over the next few days), so be sure to check back often.

Within a few days we’ll also post a link to a photo “pool” with every single pic we shot at the race – there’s a good chance you’re in there if you ran the race, and you’ll be able to download high-res, printable pics for no charge, as a gift from The B-Town Blog!

“The Snake” will be out in full force in the area Sunday (Mar. 14), as the 2010 “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Food Bank will kick off at 1pm sharp from the Normandy Park Community Club, then wind its way through Burien and end in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

Because of the race, which is expected to have over 1,000 runners, there will be many road closures going on, beginning at 12:50pm and in some spots continuing until 5pm.

Also, if you plan on running, you should seriously consider parking near Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, then taking one of the shuttles to the starting line – more details on the Cove to Clover website.

Don’t forget also to “spring ahead” at 2am Sunday morning, as Daylight Savings Time officially begins.

Weather-wise, we’re expecting a mostly cloudy day with highs in the mid-50s and a 10% chance of rain.

Here’s are details on the street closures, as well as a street map:

• The entire 5K race route will be closed to traffic.
• Closures will begin at 12:50pm and reopen as the bulk of the runners clear.
• A course crew vehicle will follow the runners reopening the streets.
• Six police officers will direct traffic at 5 key locations:
  • Sylvester & SW 120th
  • 16th SW and SW 160th
  • Before the s-curve on 21st SW near SW 159th.
  • SW 152nd and 20th SW
  • Ambaum & SW 151st
• Officers will move from location to location as streets reopen.
• Signage will inform traffic of current closures.

Here are more race day details from the Cove to Clover website:

5K START LINE PARTY with LIVE ROCK BAND starts at 10:45 am: “The Throbs” will be cranking out old school rock and roll at the start line until race time.  Warm your bones rocking out to covers of Nirvana, AC/DC, Scorpions and other eye-popping ROCK!!!  Come early and avoid the last minute shuttle rush.

Coffee provided by Burien Press.  After you wake, come meet the snake.

5K Race (race starts @ 1 pm sharp)

Start Line @ Normandy Park CC “The Cove”

Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:30 pm @ The Cove

Family Race (race starts @ 1:40 pm sharp) Start Line @ St. Francis Church

Registration/Packet Pickup from 11 am – 1:15 pm @ St. Francis Church

1 mile-ish.  This can be walked or run and will include people of all generations.  Hopefully we’ll have Irish Step Dance lessons prior to the start. – Pick up bib

* New * “While You Race” Childcare (11:00 am – 1:35 pm) at St. Francis Church

If you want to run the 5K but your kids aren’t ready for that level of suffering, consider checking your kids into “While You Race” Childcare at the family race start line. You can then run the first 2 miles of the 5K to the Family Race Start, grab your kids and run then run the Family Race together.  Child care provided by St. Francis Parish, extra fee may be involved.

YOU MUST CHECK OUT YOUR CHILD BEFORE FINISHING THE 5K.  It is not intended that runners finish the run and then return to claim their children.  Due to the tight schedule, this service is for families with children who plan to run the Family Race.

If you do the math, you’ll need to be able to run the first 2 miles in 30 minutes to pickup your child in time for the Family Race.  Shuttle from the finish line, will stop drop you at St. Francis to check in your kids.  Then you can re-board the shuttle to be taken to the 5K start line (the Cove).

Finish Line Irish Festival (1:00 – 5 pm) at Burien Town Square

You can enjoy the whole show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies).   Mick Kelly’s will be serving up traditional Irish grub outside in the square (as well as inside the pub).

Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden 1-5 pm

Goodie Gumdrops Rootbeer Garden 1-5 pm

Mick Kelly’s Irish Comfort Food 1-5 pm outside, late as you like inside the pub.

The Haggis Brothers 2-5 pm

A very lively Irish band will be bringing you the old favorite but keeping you hopping.

Momentum Irish Dancers 3-3:40 pm
Demonstration of traditional step dancing from Burien’s own Irish Dance academy.  After performing a few numbers, join the pros for a free lesson (all welcome, young and old alike).

We’ll have Photographers stationed at the starting line, as well as on Snake Hill and at the finish line, attempting to take pics of as many runners as we can (be sure to grimace dramatically for us!), and we’ll also be posting race results as soon as we know them from our “live blogging” table in Mick Kelly’s.

In addition, as a gift to everyone participating in this worthy fundraiser, we’ll be posting all pics shot online in high-res for FREE access, so be sure to check The B-Town Blog Sunday evening for the link!

The organizers of Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5K fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank want our Readers to know that there’s a “Last Gasp” registration and packet pickup this Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien.

This “last gasp” is intended for already-registered runners to get their shiny new race numbers, timing chop and t-shirt (if you registered early enough that is…), as well as for new runners to register and save the $5 race day fee increase.

That’s right – if you haven’t registered, don’t worry – you can do so at this event, and according to their website:

Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.

We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.

You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Cove to Clover “Last Gasp” Registration & Packet Pickup

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Street • Burien • 206.246.2473.

INFO: From their website:

Registered?
Come on in and get your shiny new race number, timing chip and shirt (if you registered early enough).

You’ll be stylin in the morning when you board the shuttle at Mick’s in the morning already sporting your number and cool snake shirt

Not Registered?
Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.  We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.  You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Avoid the race day rush!

Last Friday night (Mar. 5), the Cove to Clover race organizers held a “Student Limerick Throwdown” contest for area students at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Each school in the Highline School District was eligible to submit one entry, with the winner earning $500.

If you haven’t seen the snake posters around yet, the Cove to Clover is a 5k fundraiser run for the Highline Area Food Bank, and it takes place this Sunday, March 14th beginning at Noon at the Normandy Park Community Club (full details here, including how to register).

The winning entry was selected by an “Official Limerick Selection Panel” composed of three non-partisan judges – Normandy Park Councilman Shawn McEvoy, Normandy Park Mayor George Hadley and “A Place for Pets” Owner Kevin Foxen. The winner of the competition was Marvista Elementary 4th 5th Grader Molly Marquis, whose entry we publish below:

The snake is back and we all cheer.
Cove to Clover is finally here
Tiny leprechauns dance
in their jiggly pants.
The race ends with lots of rootbeer!

Marvista decided to give the $500 winnings directly to Molly’s classroom to spend any way they want (with help from their teacher, Mrs. Brossard).

Other schools representing in the throwdown included Bow Lake, Gregory Heights and St. Francis.

Molly’s winning entry will also be read aloud to inspire runners immediately prior to the 5k race start, which is this Sunday, March 14th at Noon – full race details are available here.

The second annual “Cove To Clover” fundraiser 5K race will be Sunday, March 14th, winding its way from the Normandy Park Community Club up the dreaded “snake hill” to the finish line in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

Highline School District students (and others) can earn money for area schools by participating in the 2010 Cove to Clover 5K race, which is coming to the Burien area Sunday, March 14th (read our previous coverage here).

The Grand Prize will be $1,500, donated to the winning school. The winning school will be determined by which one has the highest percentage of registrants compared to the school’s total enrollment – $5 will be donated to each school whose name is entered into the “Registration Code” for online registrants (and every registrant must enter a code).

Entries must be received by 11:59pm Monday, March 1st (two weeks before race day, which is March 14th) to be counted toward a school’s total.

Here are the details of how you can help area schools:

School Registration Contest: $1,500 Grand Prize (donated to winning school)

Here’s the Daily Scoreboard, which is updated daily with the most current standings:

Current School Registration Status (updated nightly)

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday morning (Nov. 19th) that they need help in finding the vehicle that struck and critically injured Jeff Kearney, who was struck in a White Center crosswalk on Tuesday.

Kearney, 36, well-known in Burien as part of “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th.  The suspect vehicle was southbound on 16th when it struck him.  The vehicle slowed but did not stop and was last seen driving off southbound on 16th.

Kearney was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where he remains.

According to police, a driver’s side exterior mirror was found at the scene.  There will also be damage to the left front fender.

The vehicle is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

PREVIOUSLY:

Sad news for Burien – a hit and run accident late Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 17th) on 16th SW in White Center has put Jeff Kearney (pictured, left) in critical condition in a medically-induced coma in Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Jeff is known to most everyone in Burien as a huge part of “Team Clean Sweep,” and you’ve probably seen him or talked to him at one of the city’s many local events over the last several years. Despite being mentally-challenged, he is a very happy, gregarious, kind and hard-working 36-year old who seemingly knows everyone in town (especially the ladies).

On a personal note, we would often see Jeff at the weekly Farmer’s Market, and he’d always ask us how we were doing, where Janet was, how our parents were, how our spouses were and more, and we thoroughly enjoyed his company.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, the hit and run happened around 5:33pm Tuesday (Nov. 17th), when Jeff was crossing a marked crosswalk in White Center. The suspect vehicle was driving southbound on 16th SW at around 35mph, and struck him while he was still in the crosswalk, throwing Jeff some 30 feet. The vehicle, identified as a black SUV or truck, slowed down, then took off southbound on 16th. Reports are that an external side rear-view mirror fell off the vehicle. The driver is still at large.

“Jeff’s in a medically-induced coma right now,” said Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle. “He’s got minor fractures on his back and face, but the most concerning thing right now is that he has bleeding on the brain. They have drilled a hole in his head and are trying to reduce pressure so they can wake him up, and they won’t know if he has brain damage until then.”

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog, especially the ladies who were all well-known by him, send our hopes, prayers and meditations to our friend Jeff Kearney for a full and speedy recovery.

We ask also that our Readers take a moment to look at Jeff’s photo and send positive vibes his way.

Also, according to Debra George, who worked closely with Jeff:

“If you’d like to drop anything off you can drop it off at the Mark Restaurant & Bar (918 SW 152nd Street) and I will make sure it gets to him as soon as he is out of ICU.

Thank you for your kindness.”

On another note, we hope that the police catch the hit and run driver and that justice is fully served.

If you have any information on a suspect black SUV or truck that is missing a side rear-view mirror, please call 911 immediately.

The Wurst is coming to Burien on Sunday, Oct. 4th folks…are you ready?

By “Wurst” we mean the very unique fundraiser known as the (first-annual) “Brat Trot” 5K run (which you can count down to with our handy-dandy timer over there in the right sidebar…).

As we first reported here on Aug. 3rd, Brat Trot is being “braut” to you by The Tin Room, with help from the good peeps who helped run the Cove to Clover Race back in March (which raised $12K), with proceeds benefiting:

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

BRET THE BRAT (with Hot Link in the old country)

We were able to obtain an exclusive interview with “Bret the Brat,” who’s become a sort of official mascot of the event, which we present to you below in its unedited entirety (NOTE: Bret speaks with an accent, so it’s best to read this with one in your head):

Q: What is this “Brat Trot” thing anyways?
A: Think of this as gesture of goodwill…the sausage community extending handshake of friendship to nearby humans. Though we are sorry about that sausages will crush humans in the running challenge.

Q: Why Olde Burien?
A: Dan the Sausageman is near the center of the known sausage universe. All sausages want to come here…though most do not come because they can’t walk. And oddly, the ones who do end up here seem so happy, they never leave. Is odd.

Q: Is this a fundraiser?
A: Yes, yes, yes. We want to help smaller human children by helping WestSide Baby and Safe Kids of South King County. Maybe, we are working to help those organizations to care for perhaps, little bratwursts in future as well.

Q: Who the heck are you and why should we care?
A: Why you curse to me? I am a friendly Bratwurst trying to make place of Burien friendly. Humans and sausages we become nice friends, no?

Q: Will you be running?
A: I have been training for this for more than one month, I will be most likely be winning.

Q: What’s this about an oompa band at the finish line?
A: Bratwurst are from Bavaria, so naturally we love the oompah and this band is the best (and is very large). We tried to get German rock band Scorpions but they want more than $500…much, much more…is too bad.

Q: What can runners expect during the race?
A: Please prepare to lose running competition to highly trained running sausages. Other than that, there is much fun for human adults and children. Bratwurst with kraut, beer garden, root beer garden (free food and root beer for kids), floating brat races for the kids and of course dancing sausages. And have whole family take photo with a sausage for your special yuletide greeting cards.

Q: What’s this about a relay race with a hot dog?
A: NO HOT DOGS WILL BE AT MY RACE! The brat-ton is a faux sausage handcrafted from foam rubber. It will be a cherished item passed from down in family of high class. You want more details you go to this webpage! NO MORE SPEAKEN DAS HOT DOGGEN!

Q: Rumor has it that the “Yodeling Dominatrix” may be there as well?
A: Hmmm, is new information to me. Maybe special friend of Sausageman?

Q: Where the heck is this all happening again?
A: Oh for the sake of Der Schlussenfuffel, here’s das mappen – clicken to see larger version:

Q: What is this about a Pub Crawl on Sat., Oct. 3rd, the night before the race?
A: Ah yes, well yes I will be there, and will be allowing you humans to “warm up for race” with me during this fun pre-event. Pick up official crawl bib # ($10) at Tin Room beginning at 6pm, then crawl to at least five of the official crawl stops for “crawl drink and food specials.” At each you are to gather visitation stickers to qualify for door prize drawing to be held at Tin Room at 11pm. Humans asked to dress in traditional German costumes (not just hat mit das feather) or come dressed as a beautiful Bratwurst (even better) and you crawl for free (well, actually you’ve paid with your self respect in the case of the brat suit). Humans asked also please have what you call “designated driver” or taxi take you home, no? Seeking ze further info here.

Q: We understand that you’re in a video. Can we post it?
A: No. Whatever you does, no posting no viewing of video. I sign no release, and whoever watches will pay bigtime und hearen from mein lawyers!

by Josh Hart

Imagine every bone in your body from the waist down aching. You’re sitting on the couch and you can hardly get up. Once you do get up, you can barely move around. Everything just feels sore.

The day before you had just competed in Seattle’s Inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon. You remember running across that finish line in pain, but triumph. You had done it. You set out to do something and you did it. You almost gave up on mile 24, you started feeling the burn on mile 17, but you had pushed through and accomplished something. You had even finished in 4 hours and 49 minutes. 11 minutes faster than your goal.

Just remember back on mile 13 when you were still fresh and you had seen your family and you were still running strong. Just remember back to when the race started and you could hardly even jog, because there were so many people. That wasn’t even the start. Remember back to when you were training and you ran from Kent to Orting. That felt like an accomplishment too, but it wasn’t like what you were feeling now. Remember that night that you had said, “I’m going to run a marathon.” We thought you were crazy, but you printed out a training schedule and you put your mind too it and look where you are right now. Crossing that finish line. You want to fall to your knees, because of the ache.

You find your family waiting at the other side of the finish line. They are so proud. This wasn’t just about the accomplishment of a marathon. It was much more than that. It was the will power that you had to put your mind to something and 16 weeks later accomplish it. You give people the awareness that they really can do whatever they put their mind too. It would have been impossible 16 weeks prior for you to run that marathon, but you trained in the beating down sun, you trained in the rain, the cold, and the heat. You also trained on the beach, in the woods, at the track, in the valley. You never gave up. You gave inspiration to many people out there. Even though you didn’t finish with the best time, you still did it. You accomplished something very few people accomplish.

This is the story of my dad, Nathan Hart, competing in the Rock and Roll Marathon, which went from Tukwila to Seattle on June 27th.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac who loves to write and play soccer.

You can read more of his writing here...]

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

The 3rd annual 5K and 1K Races were held Sunday morning (June 21st) with a start/finish at the Burien Interim Art Space, and here are the top 20 runners as posted at the finish line (name/city/age/time):

1. Paul Huynh, Normandy Park, 18 years old, 18:03.6
2. Shawn Fehr, Bellham, 27, 18:23.7
3. Hunter McAllister, Seattle, 25, 18:42.8
4. Eric Taylor, Burien, 32, 19:00.5
5. David Ross, Seatac, 18, 19:40.3
6. Chase Onstot, Seattle, 13, 19:43.4
7. John Hanrahan, Normandy Park, 45, 19:57.1
8. Danny Lau, Bellevue, 42, 19:58.9
9. Joseph King, 41, 19:59.1
10. John Fredenburg, North Bend, 28, 20:24.8
11. Louis Bull, Seattle, 50, 20:32.0
12. Steve Atwood, Burien, 53, 21:18.7
13. Sandi Rowden, Burien, 44, 21:24.7
14. Marianne Peterson, Burien, 42, 21:31.4
15. Tim Lockhart, Mill Creek, 41, 21:42.7
16. Dan Boze, Burien, 22, 22:04.6
17. John Frair, Seatac, 35, 22″05.4
18. David Green, Seattle, 50, 22:10.4
19. Alden Basco, Burien, 10, 22:23.2
20. Elizabeth Webber-Bruya, Seattle, 16, 22:27.9

The race was sponsored by WhiteWater Aquatics, and the purpose of the run, aside from providing a healthy activity for the community, was to raise funds for the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center as well as for scholarships for WhiteWater swimmers.

Despite a day which started with snow in some places and a dreadful downpour just about everywhere else, around 300 runners participated in the first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5K Race Sunday morning, which started near the Normandy Park Community Club and ended at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (BTB Advertiser) in Burien.

Here are some photos from race day as taken by Scott Schaefer and Janet Grella:

According to Mick Purdy, co-owner of Mick Kelly’s, $12,000 was raised for the Highline Area Food Bank!

Highline Food Bank Director Mike Werle was there also, cheering runners as they crossed the finish line.

The race was organized by area resident John Nelson, who spent around six months along with 100 or so volunteers to pull this off.

The starting gun was fired by Normandy Park Mayor Shawn McEvoy, an Irishman if ever there was one. On a humorous side note, Mayor McEvoy kept the starter’s pistol with him in the pace car up to Mick Kelly’s. Organizers had to race up and retrieve it from him just in time for the priest to fire the starting shot for the Kid’s Race at St. Francis School.

Ryan Merle, 33, of Port Townsend, won the race in 20:15, beating 2nd-place finisher Paul Huynh by 50 seconds. Photo by Janet Grella.

Here are race results as posted at the finish line (Name, City, Age, Time):

MEN:

1. Ryan Merle, Port Townsend: 33, 20:15
2. Paul Huynh, Seattle, 17, 21:05
3. Justin Merle, Kent, 30, 21:58
4. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 26, 22:21
5. Nick Baisch, Seattle, 23, 22:27
6. Louis Bull, Seattle, 50, 22:55
7. DJ Tarrant, Seattle, 18, 23:19
8. Erik Willanger, Seattle, 29, 23:28
9. Peter Brant, Seattle, 37, 23:47
10. Douglas R. Cox, Jr., Seattle, 32, 23:53

WOMEN:

1. Dinelle Pineda, Seattle, 30, 24:21
2. Patrice Hardy, Seattle, 43, 24:38
3. Natalie D’Arnico, Seattle, 22, 24:57
4. Cindy Sagmoen, Seattle, 41, 24:59
5. Regina Mutter, Seattle, 42, 25:08
6. Denise Sagmoen, Seattle, 37, 25:10
7. Staci Braun, Seattle, 40, 25:34
8. Marian Brennan, Seattle, 36, 25:44
9. Hayley Fulton, Seattle, 22, 25:56
10. Lisa Cowden, Seattle, 47, 26:50

[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]

The first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5K Run (despite the sign, and us earlier, calling it “Clove to Clover”), a benefit for the Highline Area Food Bank, will take place this Sunday morning, March 15 2009, starting at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ending at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, and here are some important notes:

• The entire race course will close at different times during the race, so check out the map below and plan accordingly if you’re driving anywhere between The Cove and Mick Kelly’s Sunday morning:

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>

If you’re planning on registering for the race, there’s still time to do so online at the Clove to Clover website – but the deadline is 11pm Friday March 13th, and 5K entrants will be limited to 250.

RACE DETAILS:

• Race-day packets can be picked up at race start area (for the Kid’s Race at St. Francis, for 5K at the Cove).
• RACE-DAY REGISTRATION WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED AT THE 5K START LINE AND WILL BE CLOSED AT 10:45 AM.
• KID’S RACE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO RACE DAY.
• Kids, you can now look forward to your very own “Root Beer Garden,” sponsored by Goody Gumdrops and featuring FREE root beer.
• 5K Start Line @ The Cove (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):

Normandy Park Community Club
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

• Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10am (line up behind the 5K runners). The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground! Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.
• Family Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):

St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166

• Awards for 12 and under only in the Kid’s Race. However, parents are encouraged to run with their kids and all entries are welcomed.
• Finish Line (and Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden):

Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
435 SW 152nd Avenue
Burien, WA 98166

• Award Ceremony to follow the race at the finish line ASAP.

Here’s a map of the starting line near the Normandy Park Cove:

And as if that isn’t enough info for ya, here’s a video of the entire course, from start to finish (minus the doubling over from “Snake Hill” and drinking at Mick Kelly’s afterwards) shot by resident Francis Doniego:

More information available at the Clove to Clover website.

The first-ever Rock n’Roll Seattle Marathon Event, scheduled for June 24-27, is seeking volunteers.

And get this – Volunteers for this event will actually get something other than Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No…):

• Free Race Crew T-Shirt.
• Free ticket to the post-race headliner concert.
• Free race goodie bag.
• Satisfaction of helping others.
• You’ll have a great time!

WHAT: Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

WHEN: Wednesday June 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th, Saturday 27, 2009

WHERE: 26.2-Mile and 13.1-Mile Race Courses from Tukwila to Seattle (Volunteer stations to be assigned)

CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator: Adriane Ferguson; Email: adriane@seafair.com Phone: (206) 728-0123 ext.109

Seafair
2200 Sixth Ave. Suite 400
Seattle, WA. 98121

INFO: New this year, the Rock n’Roll Seattle Marathon & ½ Marathon will be taking place on the streets throughout Seattle! We need your help in creating an inspiring and upbeat environment for the runners and walkers participating in this event.

Not a runner or walker? You can still be a part of the event! With over 15,000 marathon and half marathon participants, volunteers are needed to assist with every aspect of the event, including setup, pre-registration, the Health & Fitness Expo, the Start Line, Finish Line and water stations along the course. Team up with your friends or family and make it an experience you won’t forget!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Pre-race Expo and Registration: Qwest Event Center-Wednesday June 24 (set up), Thursday June 25 & Friday, June 26.
  • Issue registered runners their race numbers
  • Distribute race participant T-shirts
  • Distribute race Goodie Bags
  • Stock and sell souvenirs
• Start Line – Foster Golf Links- Tukwila- Saturday, June 27th:
  • Start Corrals, Gear Check, Bus Unloading, Refreshments, Medical Tent
• Finish Line – Qwest Field- Seattle-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Checked Gear Retrieval, Chip Removal, Refreshment Zone, Awards, Pedestrian Traffic Control, Medical Tent
• Water Station – Groups of 30 or more-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Volunteers are located on various parts of the course.
• Medical Station-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Various Locations along the course. Volunteers are needed to staff medical tents and assist runners with minor injuries.

To sign-up, or to register to run, please click here: www.rnrseattle.com

[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]

NOTE: Results of Sunday’s “Cove to Clover” race, as well as photos, are available here.

A “brand spankin’ new” St. Patrick’s Day run called “Cove to Clover” is coming up Sunday, March 15th, starting at the Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”) and finishing at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (complete with a beer garden to quench those thirsty legs).

There will also be a mile long kid’s race beginning at “The Bean” espresso stand St. Francis of Assisi Church and ending at Mick Kelly’s. Please note that registration for the Kid’s Race will take place at The Cove in Normandy Park.

The race will be held on Sunday, March 15 @ 11 am on the same day as Seattle’s massive Patty’s Day Dash. This race will be a refreshingly smaller alternative to what the Paddy’s Day Dash has become. Beware though, this annual race will surely become infamous because the first mile is all uphill and attains 800 vertical feet; locals know it as “Snake Hill”.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Cove to Clover” 5K Run & Kids’ Race

WHEN: Sunday, March 15th starting at 11am

WHERE: Starts at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ends at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (see actual route map below).

INFO: You can get more information and register online at www.covetoclover.com, or contact John Nelson (jonelson@adobe.com) the race director for more info about the race if you’d like.

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

If you’re not into that much suffering a “hill shuttle” option will be offered when you register.

5K Start Line (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):

Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”)
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10 am (line up behind the 5K runners):

The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders (registration option) should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground!

Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.

1-Mile Kids Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):

St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166

The organizers promise bag piping on the course to boot, so come out and support the community (or at least quaff a pint and pretend you ran the entire race).

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>

1/6/09 9pm UPDATE: We just communicated with Faraz Lakhani, the victim of Tuesday afternoon’s hit and run, who reports that the suspect was captured within the hour by police (it doesn’t help to have your license plate fall off).

Faraz, who works at the Subway sandwich shop on 16th SW, sent us the following first-hand report:

I am really thankful to have walked out from the sunroof of my car unscathed except for a minuscule cut on my hand. It sure was my lucky day today – ‘cos the accident looks like the driver would have been hurt much worse.

The police did find the hit and run driver within the hour. He was a 72 year old man with a suspended drivers license and no insurance I decided not to prosecute and they will just be charging him for driving without a license.

I was just really shaken as my car flew and rolled before it landed on its side.

The car is going to be a total loss but I have reason to be thankful I came away unhurt!

I really appreciate your efforts to help get the hit and run driver.

PREVIOUSLY: From our sister site The White Center Blog comes this breaking news report:

At approximately 2:25pm Tuesday afternoon (1/6/09), our intrepid “on-the-street” Reporters Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan witnessed the immediate aftermath of a hit and run accident at the intersection of SW 104th and 16th Ave SW in White Center.

The BMW on its side above was headed northbound on 16th when it was t-boned on the driver’s side by a black Hyndai Accent, knocking it onto its side.

The license plate of the suspect hit and run vehicle is Washington plate #735 VJT (see photo below).

Below are more pictures taken at the scene, including the dented license plate, which fell off the suspect’s vehicle and was discovered by Neuman and Bryan.

The suspect remains at large, so if you have any information on this car or its owner, you are encouraged to call the King County Sheriff’s office immediately at (206) 296-3333 or 296-3323.